US motor manufacturer,
Ford, has announced it is to use UK-developed
vehicle fleet management software as part of the on-board
computer systems for its 2009 E-series vans and F-series
pickups.
Ford claims to be first to market with the option of
factory-fitted computer systems using hardware and software
pre-integrated with vehicles with the launch of its F-150 pickup
truck this month.
This will provide more reliable and robust performance than
similar systems fitted by third-party suppliers and help make the
use of the technology more mainstream, the motor company said.
The fleet management and vehicle tracking applications from
Nottingham-based software firm,
Microlise, provide web-based access
to location and performance analysis.
The software uses data transmitted from the vehicle diagnostics
system via mobile phone networks to enable more efficient
scheduling, route planning and job allocation.
The application also highlights where driver performance and
techniques can be improved to help cut fuel consumption.
Ford has worked with Microlise to identify 30 key vehicle and
driver performance indicators to monitor such as harsh braking and
excessive idling, said Paul Russell, Ford Work Solutions marketing
manager.
The UK firm was chosen after an extensive search, said Russell,
because of its telematics experience, understanding of the US
market, and ability to build an innovative web interface within a
tight timeframe.
Nadeem Raza, managing director at Microlise, said, "This deal
has helped us refine and develop our offering and accelerate our
product roadmap."
The fleet management software will be available initially only
in new vehicles in the US as part of the Ford Work Solutions on
board computer systems package.
Russell says Ford is looking at ways to make the technology
available to existing truck fleets and will consider expanding to
other geographies based on the initiative's success in the US.